If you’ve spent hours writing an ebook, the next big question is: Where should I sell it? For most people, Amazon seems like the obvious answer.
It’s the world’s largest online marketplace, after all. But here’s the truth: if you’re serious about building your brand, keeping more of your profits, and actually connecting with your audience, Amazon isn’t the best place to sell your ebook.
The smarter move? Selling ebooks directly on your own website.
Let’s unpack why this approach works better—especially if you’re a creator, entrepreneur, or personal brand trying to build something sustainable.
The Problem With Selling On Amazon
Amazon makes it easy to list a book, but that convenience comes with trade-offs most creators don’t realize until later:
1. You lose customer data
When someone buys your ebook on Amazon, you never know who that person is. No names, no emails, no way to follow up with them. Amazon owns that relationship—not you. If you’re trying to grow your audience, this is a massive disadvantage.
2. Amazon takes a big cut
Depending on your pricing, Amazon can take anywhere from 30% to 65% of your revenue. That’s a huge chunk for a platform that doesn’t give you much control.
3. You compete with millions of others
Your ebook is just one among millions. Unless you’re willing to spend heavily on ads or already have an established name, it’s tough to stand out.
4. No control over the experience
Amazon dictates how your book is displayed, priced, and delivered. There’s very little room for branding or personalization.
Why Selling On Your Website Makes More Sense
Now let’s flip it. Here’s why selling ebooks directly through your own site puts you in the driver’s seat:
1. You own the relationship
When people buy directly from you, you collect their email address. That means you can send thank-you notes, offer bonuses, recommend other products, or nurture them into long-term customers.
This is where a tool like MailDrip.io becomes powerful. With automated email sequences, you can build relationships with your readers over time—something you simply can’t do through Amazon.
2. Keep more of your profits
If you sell an ebook for $20 on your site, you keep nearly all of it (minus payment processing fees). On Amazon, you’d probably see $7–$14 of that sale. The difference adds up quickly.
3. You control the experience
On your site, you decide how your ebook is presented. You can create a branded landing page, add testimonials, bundle the ebook with bonus content, or run special discounts. None of that is possible on Amazon.
4. Build your authority
When readers buy directly from you, they’re engaging with your brand, not Amazon’s. This strengthens your positioning as an expert in your field rather than just another listing in a crowded marketplace.
Take Your Emails to the Next Level
MailDrip helps you automate your outreach, nurture leads, and grow your brand with ease. Send the right message at the right time—without the stress.
Sign Up FreeNo Card Required
5. Room for upsells and cross-sells
Selling on your site opens the door for more revenue opportunities. Alongside your ebook, you can offer:
- A workbook or template pack
- A video course
- One-on-one coaching sessions
- A newsletter subscription
This ability to expand beyond a single ebook is what turns one-time buyers into loyal customers.
How To Start Selling Ebooks On Your Website
The idea of selling ebooks directly might sound intimidating, but it’s more straightforward than you might think. Here’s a simple step-by-step:
- Create a landing page
This is where people can learn about your ebook, see the benefits, and click “buy.” Keep it clean, engaging, and focused on your audience’s needs. - Set up payment processing
Tools like Stripe, PayPal, or Gumroad can handle secure payments and file delivery for you. - Automate the delivery
Once someone buys, make sure they automatically receive the ebook. This creates a smooth, professional experience. - Collect email addresses
Every purchase should capture an email. Then, use an email platform like MailDrip.io to set up a follow-up sequence. For example:- Day 1: Thank them for buying and share bonus tips.
- Day 3: Ask for feedback or reviews.
- Day 7: Introduce your next product or service.
- Promote your ebook
Drive traffic to your landing page through your blog, newsletter, social media, or podcasts.
How MailDrip.io Makes It Easier
Here’s where many creators get stuck: they know they need email automation, but they feel overwhelmed by complicated software. That’s why MailDrip.io was built.
With MailDrip.io, you can:
- Set up automated drip campaigns without the tech headache.
- Use free, ready-to-go email templates.
- Send emails on a Pay As You Go basis (daily, weekly, or monthly).
- Track results so you know what’s working.
This means your ebook isn’t just a one-time sale—it becomes the start of a long-term relationship with your readers.
FAQs
Do I really need a website to sell my ebook?
Technically, no—you could use platforms like Gumroad or Payhip. But having your own website gives you full control over branding and helps build authority in your niche.
What if I don’t have a large audience yet?
Selling on your website still makes sense. Even if you only sell a handful of copies at first, you’ll start collecting emails and building a list you can grow over time.
Isn’t it harder to get traffic to my own site than selling on Amazon?
Not necessarily. Amazon won’t promote your book unless it’s already selling well. You’ll still need to do your own marketing either way. With your website, at least the effort directly benefits you.
Can I sell on both Amazon and my website?
Yes, you can. Some creators do both. But if you have to choose where to focus your energy, your website should come first—it gives you the most long-term value.
The Bottom Line
Amazon might look like the easy choice for selling ebooks, but it’s a short-term game. If you want real control, better margins, and stronger relationships with your readers, your own website is the place to sell.
Your ebook isn’t just a product—it’s a way to connect with your audience, build trust, and grow your business.
And with tools like MailDrip.io, you don’t need to be a tech expert to set up the automation that turns readers into loyal fans.
So the real question is: Do you want Amazon to own your readers—or do you want to own the relationship yourself?
